The Dawning of the Day
("Fainne Geal an Lae")
Edward Walsh
At early morn I once had been
Where Lene's blue waters flow,
When summer bid the trees be green
The lamp of light to glow -
As on by bower and town and tower
And widespread fields I stray,
I met a maid in the greenwood shade
By the dawning of the day.
Her feet and beauteous head were bare
No mantle fair she wore,
But down her waist fell golden hair
That swept thee tall grass o'er,
With milking pail she sought the vale
And bright her charms display
Outshining far the morning star
At the dawning of the day.
Beside me sat that maid devine,
Where grassy banks outspread.
"Oh let me call you ever mine,
Dear maid." I sportive said.
"False man, for shame,
Why bring me blame!"
She cried and burst away,
The sun's first light pursued her,
At the dawning of the day.